Fork-mount load capacity?

I have a short tube 8" newtonian reflector I've been thinking of putting on the sort of fork mount one uses for Cats- these show up occasionally for sale w/o tripod or OTA. I'm wondering whether my longer tube can be handled by such a fork- what is the usual load capacity for a cast fork mounting for an 8" OTA? Anyone know? Thanks!

Jess Tauber

I have never seen a fork mount SCT on a wedge that was steady enough for my liking, and doubt you will be happy with a longer Newtonian on such a mount. Some ATMs make their own forks, and I've rarely seen one that was really steady. I'd recommend staying away from forks entirely.

Clear skies, Alan

Hi Jess,
I remember seeing just what you discribed a few years ago at a star party here in Michigan. I didn't look through it but the owner said it worked pretty good. It had an 8" LX200 classic fork mounted to a ground board instead of a tripod and you used it while seated just like a dob. IIRC it was named Frankenscope.

Just as a practical matter, SCT forks are simply too short for most Newtonians.

Clear skies, Alan